Definitions by Gazuga
DirectX
An Application Programming Interface (API) developed by Microsoft to allow programmers to access various hardware, most often the graphics card and sound card. Despite being produced by Microsoft, DirectX isn't actually all that bad, if you can get past Microsoft's abominable coding style.
Microsoft Code
The worst, buugiest, most indecipherable code you will ever come across. Upon encountering Microsoft Code, a programmer should run, not walk, in the opposite direction.
If it's written in Hungarian Notation, uses way too many pointers, and is incomprehensible, chances are you're dealing with Microsoft Code.
Microsoft Code by Gazuga May 16, 2004
openGL
A graphical API produced by Silicon Graphics that is platform independent, unlike Direct3D. It is also much easier to program 3D applications with, do to the absence of Microsoft Code.
cd key
A string of numbers or characters that often come with computer games or software. The user is required to input the CD key to install the product or play online.
A CD-key is verified by being plugged into a mathematical formula and checking to see if it returns the proper value. For example, a very simple CD-key system would check to make sure that all the numbers in the CD-key add up to a specified number. In addition to this, many games and software products require you to verify your CD-key over the internet. However, this doesn't stop people from creating "keygens" or programs that automatically generated valid CD-keys.
A CD-key is verified by being plugged into a mathematical formula and checking to see if it returns the proper value. For example, a very simple CD-key system would check to make sure that all the numbers in the CD-key add up to a specified number. In addition to this, many games and software products require you to verify your CD-key over the internet. However, this doesn't stop people from creating "keygens" or programs that automatically generated valid CD-keys.
Deus Ex Machina
Literally "God from the machine", Deus Ex Machina originally referred to Greek plays, where the "gods" would be lowered onto the stage in order to provide a quick resolution to the story. Today, Deus Ex Machina refers to any improbably and/or overly convenient character or mechanism that comes out of nowhere saves the character(s) from their doom.
For a hilarious send-up of Deus Ex Machina, check out the spaceship scene in Monty Python's Life of Brian.
Deus Ex Machina by Gazuga April 26, 2004
Valentine's Day
1: A marketing ploy designed to create the expectation between couples that they will buy useless, overpriced "gifts" for one another that will be quickly forgotten the day afterward.
2: A cruel, vicious holiday designed to mock single people and remind them of just how lonely they are.
2: A cruel, vicious holiday designed to mock single people and remind them of just how lonely they are.
1: My girlfriend got pissed 'cuz I didn't get her some shit for Valentine's Day.
2: Valentines Day makes me want to crawl in a hole and die.
2: Valentines Day makes me want to crawl in a hole and die.
Valentine's Day by Gazuga April 22, 2004
childfree
Also known as "childfree by choice," childfree simply means not wanting children and having no desire to take on the burdon of parenthood. The term "childfree" should not be confused with "childless" as that implies a person or couple who desires children but has none. Unfortunately, childfree people are often accused of being selfish (as if having a child that's just another burden on society somehow ISN'T selfish), or "unnatural."